Great Adventures Green Island + Moore Reef Pontoon Combo (+ 10 Minute Helicopter Flight)

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Green Island and the outer reef in one day, with a 10 minute Nautilus Aviation helicopter flight from the Moore Reef platform to see the reef from the air. Two hours on the island, three on the platform, lunch with prawns and snorkelling at both stops are included.

Days

Full day, about 9 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Shared reef cruise

Start / finish

Cairns / Green Island / Moore Reef / Cairns
Cairns, around 5:30pm

Return

Cairns, around 5:30pm

Transport

Fast catamaran from the Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns, helicopter at the reef

Meals

Morning tea, buffet lunch with prawns, afternoon tea

Route

Map of Great Adventures Green Island + Moore Reef Pontoon Combo (+ 10 Minute Helicopter Flight)

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Included experiences

Green Island — snorkel from the patrolled beach and walk the rainforest boardwalk
Moore Reef — 10 minute helicopter flight over the reef
Moore Reef — snorkel the coral gardens off the platform
Semi-submersible — 25 minute ride over the coral
Underwater observatory — reef talk with a marine biologist

Great Adventures Green Island + Moore Reef Pontoon Combo (+ 10 Minute Helicopter Flight)

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: CAIRNS TO GREEN ISLAND

Check in at the Great Adventures counter in the Reef Fleet Terminal on the Cairns waterfront for the early boat, with morning tea, cake and coffee before it leaves. About 45 minutes later you step onto Green Island for two hours. It is a coral cay about 6,000 years old and only 12 hectares, the one cay on the reef with a rainforest. Snorkel gear is included, so swim off the lifeguard-patrolled beach where large turtles graze the seagrass, or walk the boardwalk through the vine-thicket forest. Its traditional name is Wunyami (Green Island), and Captain Cook named it in 1770 after his astronomer, Charles Green.

MIDDAY: OUT TO MOORE REEF

Late morning the catamaran carries on for about 70 minutes to Moore Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, the 2,300 km system World Heritage-listed since 1981. The crew give a reef education presentation along the way. You have three hours on Great Adventures' large, stable platform, with change rooms, freshwater showers, a sundeck and undercover seating. Collect a buoyancy vest and your snorkel gear, and settle in. Lifeguard-trained crew give first-timers tips and watch the water.

THE REEF FROM THE AIR

Your 10 minute scenic flight with Nautilus Aviation lifts off from the outer reef platform, so there's no extra travel to get to it. From the air the reef makes sense in a way it can't from the water: the Great Barrier Reef is not one reef but nearly 3,000 separate ones, and from the air you see their edges, the pale sand channels between them and the deep blue beyond. The pilot gives commentary as you fly over the coral formations and look down for marine life. Ten minutes goes quickly, so have your camera ready before take-off.

AFTERNOON: THE PLATFORM AND HOME

Lunch is a hot and cold buffet, prawns included, on the platform. Between swims, ride the semi-submersible, which leaves the back of the platform about every half hour for a 25 minute glide over the coral with crew commentary. Walk down into the underwater observatory to watch fish, corals and giant clams through the windows, on your own or with a marine biologist's eco reef talk, and catch the fish feeding presentation. With five hours of island and reef, you may not fit everything in. The boat leaves the reef mid-afternoon, with afternoon tea and cheese and biscuits on the way back to Cairns.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Great Adventures counter inside the Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns, beside the Pier Marketplace. Arrive about an hour before departure to collect boarding passes; boarding starts 30 minutes before the boat leaves.
Departure time: Leaves Cairns around 8:30am and returns around 5:30pm; your times are confirmed when you book.
Minimum age: None; the cruise suits all ages, including infants. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Fitness: Moderate. Each passenger's weight in kilograms must be given when you book; the most one helicopter seat can carry is 130 kg.
Dietary needs: The buffet has vegetarian options and lists ingredients. Tell us about any other dietary needs when you book.
Accessibility: Green Island has wheelchair-friendly boardwalks, accessible toilets and a beach wheelchair from the lifeguards, but some steps and narrow gangways; a carer must be with you. There are steps onto the reef platform, into the observatory and into the semi-submersible.
Please note: Marine stingers are most common from November to April. Green Island's waters are sheltered; the outer reef is more exposed, and seasickness tablets are sold on board, with free ginger tablets. Parking is available outside or undercover at the Pier, and nearby at the Reef Casino and the Cairns Hilton. After a single dive, wait 12 hours before flying or going above 300 metres (24 hours after several dives).

What to bring

Swimwear and towel
Hat and sunscreen (reef-safe sunscreen is recommended)
Sunglasses
Comfortable shoes
Camera (drones are not allowed)
Credit or debit card for purchases on board and on the island

What is included

Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise from Cairns
Morning tea, cake selection and coffee
Two hours on Green Island
Three hours at the outer reef platform at Moore Reef
10 minute scenic helicopter flight with Nautilus Aviation from the Moore Reef platform
Snorkelling equipment at Green Island and Moore Reef
Buoyancy vests at the pontoon
Reef education presentation
Hot and cold buffet lunch, including prawns
Semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour
Underwater observatory with a guided eco reef talk
Fish feeding presentation with a marine biologist
Afternoon tea and coffee at the platform, cheese and biscuits on the return journey

Not included

Optional extras on the day, subject to availability and time: scuba diving, Scuba Doo, marine biologist guided snorkel tour, parasailing, entry to Marineland Melanesia (crocodiles)
Lycra stinger suits on Green Island (for hire; supplied at the outer reef)
A second seat for passengers over 130 kg, charged at half the flight price and paid to Nautilus Aviation on the day
Hotel transfers to the terminal (coach transfers can be arranged from most Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A calm day for our trip from Cairns. On Green Island we headed for the crocodile sanctuary and watched the big saltwater crocs being fed. Then we went out to the pontoon, with snorkelling, diving and a semi-submersible, and our helicopter ride, where we saw turtles from the air. A memorable day with a charming crew.

Paul Chiavini Verified· Travelled 3rd February 2026

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